Road Markings and Traffic Signals
Markings and signals carry the same legal force as signs. The exam uses them to check whether you can read a lane, a stop line and a signal phase correctly under time pressure.
Markings
- White markings are permanent. A broken line may be crossed when it is safe; a solid line must not be crossed or straddled.
- Double solid white between opposing flows is never crossed.
- Yellow markings are temporary (roadworks) or impose a restriction. A yellow line along the kerb, or a yellow zigzag, means no stopping.
- Stop line, zebra stripes and painted give-way triangles fix exactly where you must stop or yield.
- Lane arrows bind you once you are in the lane: follow the direction shown rather than changing late.
Signal phases
A red light means stop at the stop line. A steady yellow means stop, unless you are so close that braking would itself cause a collision. Green means you may go if the way is clear - it is permission, not a guarantee, and you must not enter a junction you cannot clear. A flashing green signals the end of the phase: proceed only if you can clear safely. A flashing yellow means proceed with caution, applying signs and the right-hand rule. Arrow sections give movement only in the arrow direction, and a red arrow means stop for that movement even while the main light is green.
Worked example
Your light is green but the traffic beyond the junction is queued bumper to bumper. Reasoning: entering would leave you stranded across the junction and block the cross flow when their light turns green, so you wait behind the stop line until there is space on the far side.
Traps that cost marks
Treating yellow as a signal to accelerate; crossing a solid line to reach a turn lane you have left too late; assuming green entitles you to enter a blocked junction; ignoring a yellow kerb line because no sign is present; and reading a red arrow as applying to all traffic.